THE headteacher of a Thame school last night paid tribute to a “brilliant” chairman of governors, who has died suddenly.

Ann Mayou, 69, died in her sleep around 7pm last Wednesday after suffering a ruptured heart artery.

She was head of governors at Lord Williams’ School and had previously worked as a teacher in Oxford.

Headteacher David Wybron said last night: “Ann was a quite brilliant chairman of governors and when she spoke to staff on Monday we could all see how supportive and professional she was in her role as leader of the governing body.

“Ann had been a headteacher and she knew about schools, teachers and how young people work.

“Her wisdom and calmness were always evident and to spend time with her was always a pleasure.”

Ann’s husband Richard, 70, of Shabbington, near Thame, said: “Following a meeting at the school at 5pm she came home and said she was feeling a little unwell.

“She went for a lie-down and died in her sleep.

“She spent her life mainly in the Oxfordshire education system and was extremely dedicated and compassionate.”

Mr Wybron said the news had come as a “huge shock”.

He said: “She struck the balance perfectly of asking the right questions while being our closest friend and champion. She had a lovely, warm personality. She will be deeply missed.”

Before becoming a headteacher, Mrs Mayou was an economics teacher at Oxford High School.